Why I Broke up with Coffee (& Tips for Quitting)

Anabel
Sep 26
3 min read

Updated: Oct 1

Ahh, the smell. The taste. The ritual.

It really was the best part of waking up (as Folger's rightly put it).

However, every year, I would find myself slowly increasing my coffee intake. Part of it was pleasure—the sharing a cup with friends or treating myself to something warm on the go —but eventually, my body and mind would beg for a reset.

The past several years, I've managed to give up the seemingly non-addictive substance for a few months before starting again, but this year was different.

First, my why had changed. I had been hearing about caffeine's effects on hormones—some research shows it can imbalance estrogen and progesterone levels (which can have negative effects for women), while increasing cortisol (the stress hormone) and potentially lowering serotonin (the “feel good” neurotransmitter). With all of that in mind, my decision to step away from coffee became even stronger.

Second, quitting felt harder than ever. It took me a full eight days to completely shake off the withdrawal symptoms—headaches that wouldn't stop, a foggy, disoriented feeling that made me feel like I was living outside of myself, and fatigue that no nap could fix. Perhaps the unbearable symptoms were due to quitting "cold turkey," mostly, as I had a few days where I caved and had a sip or two to ease the discomfort.

What Changed After Quitting

On the other side of those rough days, though, I can honestly say: I feel like a better version of myself.

Since quitting, my energy feels steadier—I don't need coffee to bring me to life in the morning. I wake up earlier and with more ease, instead of dragging myself out of bed. I no longer experience the mid-morning "crash" that I once thought was just part of life.

It's as if coffee was tricking me into believing I needed it to survive my day, when in reality it was creating the very highs and lows I was trying to escape.

Tips If You’re Thinking About Quitting Coffee

If you're curious about taking a break from coffee, here are a few things I learned from my experience:

Expect withdrawal symptoms. Even at one to two cups a day, the headaches are real. Give yourself grace and know that it will pass.
Stay hydrated. Drinking extra water helped me flush out the caffeine, although I'll admit that it didn't help much with the headaches.
Cut back gradually (if that feels better for you). While I went "cold turkey," many people find it easier to taper—starting with half-caf or reducing by half a cup every few days. This can soften the headaches and fog.
Find a replacement ritual. I swapped my morning coffee for green tea. It gave me the comfort of a morning routine, and even though it contains caffeine (about 30-50 mg per cup), the amount is significantly less than coffee, which ranges from 100-200 mg per cup.
Rest more. Your body will likely feel tired—don't fight it. Early bedtimes helped me reset.
Make space. Strategically choose the best time for detox. Try to avoid busy times, such as big meetings, projects, or vacations. You'll want to be home and have ample time to rest.
Remember your "why." Whether it's for hormonal balance, better sleep, or to challenge yourself, keep that reason close when the cravings hit.

Eliminating coffee wasn't easy—but it reminded me of how powerful our habits are, and how freeing it can feel to reclaim them. For now, I'm enjoying days without the crash and with a whole lot more clarity.

Would I go back to coffee? Maybe one day. But for now, I'm savoring life on the other side of caffeine.

Note: This post reflects my personal experience only. It is not medical advice. Everyone's body is different, so please listen to your own needs and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure what's best for you.